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The Battle for Millset Ridge

The Battle for Millset Ridge

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The Battle for Millset Ridge

Cheryl Johnson Huban
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
As of Monday morning, the Aspen Acres Fire had consumed 100,756.3 acres of forest, homesteads, land, homes, structures and businesses in three weeks.It is not fully contained, never mind out. Right now, the majority of wildland fire efforts are on the western, uncontained, side of the fire.
Tyson Rodriguez (L) and Chris Dorris of Insurance Busters.net step away from the grills for a moment to pose for a picture. Photo by Shirley Pigg

Tyson Rodriguez (L) and Chris Dorris of Insurance Busters.net step away from the grills for a moment to pose for a picture. Photo by Shirley Pigg

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Providing Meals and Support for the Aspen Acres Fire Victims

Shirley Pigg
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The Greenhorn Valley is fortunate to have Tyson Rodriguez (Public Insurance Adjuster license number 954586) and Chris Dorris serving delicious BBQ meals in the Ace Hardware parking lot, supporting the residents of Colorado City as they return home after the Aspen Acres Fire.
The street in front of the Beulah Inn on Sunday, as residents gather for live music. Courtesy Photo

The street in front of the Beulah Inn on Sunday, as residents gather for live music. Courtesy Photo

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Beulah Welcomes Back Respectful Visitors

Sumi Von Dassow, President
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Beulah has experienced cataclysmic trauma in the last few weeks. The morning of June 29 the Aspen Acres fire sprang up, racing out of control within minutes through dry forest towards the small unincorporated town and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people.
A plane filling at the mobile 'swimming pool' at the Rye High School base Photo by Shirley Pigg

A plane filling at the mobile 'swimming pool' at the Rye High School base Photo by Shirley Pigg

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Day 22 of Smoke, Flames, and Evacuations

Shirley Pigg
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
On Day 22 of the Aspen Acres Fire, residents of Rye remain evacuated while Colorado City has lifted its evacuation orders.
Leroy Mora, candidate for Pueblo County Sheriff Courtesy Photo

Leroy Mora, candidate for Pueblo County Sheriff Courtesy Photo

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Unassigned Mora Makes Sheriff General Election Ballot

Terry Kraus
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Leroy Mora is officially on the November ballot as an unaffiliated candidate for Pueblo County Sheriff after signatures were submitted and approved to get him on the ballot. The necessary 1,000 signatures were eclipsed by the 2,019 signatures that were accepted.
Photo by Shirley Pigg A small portion of the crowd that attended the Community Meeting about the Aspen Acres Fire.

Photo by Shirley Pigg A small portion of the crowd that attended the Community Meeting about the Aspen Acres Fire.

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'Thank You for Your Grace and Space'

Shirley Pigg
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The residents of Greenhorn Valley are seeking answers regarding the Aspen Acres Fire and, most importantly, when they can return home. A community meeting held at Craver Middle School on Monday, July 20, drew a large crowd.
Landowners Assist in Long Term Mitigation

Landowners Assist in Long Term Mitigation

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Landowners Assist in Long Term Mitigation

Terry Kraus
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Mike Baldauf reported a meeting between landowners from Road 650 and representatives of Forest Service fire mitigation personnel that took place on Sunday July 12 in the afternoon.
With nearly 100,000 acres burned by the Aspen Acres Fire, wildlife is on the move looking for new homes. This mama bear and her two cubs were wandering along in the junipers at a much lower elevation than they usually live in. Photo by Shirley Pigg

With nearly 100,000 acres burned by the Aspen Acres Fire, wildlife is on the move looking for new homes. This mama bear and her two cubs were wandering along in the junipers at a much lower elevation than they usually live in. Photo by Shirley Pigg

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Displaced Wildlife on the Move

Shirley Pigg
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
When a wall of flames approached our forest, we quickly gathered our valuables and evacuated to a safe distance. But where do all the wild animals go? Do they know to flee? 'Most animals survive fire,' says Gavin Jones, a research ecologist with the U.S.
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